My Thoughts on Being an Avid Automotive Enthusiast

"Trevor Mohr" (CarFanatic1342)
04/25/2014 at 22:22 • Filed to: None

Well, let me just start this off by saying that automobiles take up a great deal of my life. I'm a passionate enthusiast; everything about the automobile just sparks my curiosity. I know there are people out there that think I'm a bit like Rain Man or something, but the more I'm on Oppo/Jalopnik/Forums, the more I realize that I'm not. I'm quite proud that I'm so obsessed with cars. Anyways, there's just something quite magical about automotive enthusiasts. It's a great community for the most part; there may be some exceptions, but overall, the community can make complete strangers become friends. It's quite difficult being 17, in a small private school where no one honestly has half a clue about automobiles, and that's why I'm always on here and the Golf-Mk6 forums. It's great getting involved and being in the community. Even though there are rivalries between cars, with examples being the Mustang vs. Camaro and the STi vs. Evo, the owners all have something in common. They all love their cars, and there truly is a deep connection between man and automobile. It's more than just point A to point B for me. I love my GTI; there is a connection I have with it, and even though normal people view this as borderline insane, I know that people on here can understand this. My car always manages to put a smile on my face, and that right there, is what makes an auto enthusiast. It's not what you drive, or how expensive/luxurious your car is, what matters is that connection. Tonight as I was filling up my car, I had a WRX pull up to the other side of the pump. It was definitely modded a bit, and tastefully done. The man looked over to see my GTI, and he had said "That's a nice car, how do you like it?" At first, I was shocked. I was expecting something more along the lines of "Wow, you really bought that? My WRX can totally blow you in the dust, bro!" I had responded in usual fashion, saying that I really love the car so far, and I've had it for about two months. I had complimented his car in return too, and it was an awesome WRX. He started to talk to me about how he had owned a VR6 GTI awhile ago, and how he loved that VR6 engine note. I had told him that I plan on adding some performance mods to my car this summer, such as an APR Carbonio intake, and a Neuspeed cat-back exhaust. He had recommended a place for me on Long Island, where I live. We filled the cars, both told each other "have a great one!" and drove off. That really made me pause for a moment and think about automobile enthusiasts, and I just began to appreciate this community that we have, because to me, it is quite amazing. I'm proud to be one, and it really just puts a smile on my face. It's something that I'm passionate about, it's something that I love and enjoy. Anyways, goodnight Oppo, and here is a quote from Jeremy Clarskon, on car people:

"It's what non-car people don't get. They see all cars as just a ton and a half, two tons of wires, glass, metal, and rubber, and that's all they see. People like you or I know we have an unshakable belief that cars are living entities… You can develop a relationship with a car and that's what non-car people don't get… When something has foibles and won't handle properly, that gives it a particularly human quality."

-Jeremy Clarkson

DISCUSSION (40)

Sn210 > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:31

you're very wise for 17

AM3R > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:42

+1000. Great write up. Also, how DO you like the GTI? I keep seeing these insane deals on them locally and if I were to trade my BMW for the more economical GTI I could talk myself into buying a fun weekend car to go along with it.

Trevor Mohr > Sn210
04/25/2014 at 22:44

Thank you. What made you think that?

OPPOsaurus WRX > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:44

Kinja'd!!!

It's nice to know the world isn't full of shit heads. I got a wave from another WRX on my second drive. It made me like the car even more. Took that pic the other day

Sn210 > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:45

"It's not what you drive, or how expensive/luxurious your car is, what matters is that connection."

I didn't realize this at 17, that's for sure

GTI MkVII > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:49

Spot on.

Trevor Mohr > AM3R
04/25/2014 at 22:50

Thank you, hope you enjoyed the article. So far, I am absolutely in love with the GTI. Honestly, it's a great daily driver, I average about 27mpg, and the performance is amazing. The handling is great, and the steering wheel is one of the reasons why I had chosen the car. I highly recommend one, because they are quite economical yet they feel like high-quality and premium German cars. Everything is soft touch. There are insane deals because the Mk7 Golf and GTI is coming soon, but the Mk6 is built in Germany.

Dsscats > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:53

Forgive my ignorance, but isn't that GTI a MK7?

Trevor Mohr > Sn210
04/25/2014 at 22:58

It can be quite easy to be sucked into that whole "fanboyism" thing. Take VW for example. Owners are known for being almost vicious when it comes to defending the brand. Yes, I'm a strong VW fan, but that's my opinion. Others have attractions to different cars and brands, and those differences are exactly what make the car community what it is.

BadMotorScooter > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 22:59

You're not weird, and you're not alone! You have a great open mind - keep that as it will help you find what is important to you, not others.

Trevor Mohr > Dsscats
04/25/2014 at 23:00

I forgive you haha. It's an Mk6 GTI, but they do look similar in some aspects. The Mk7 is a bit more squared off. Here's an Mk7 GTI to compare.

Kinja'd!!!

Trevor Mohr > OPPOsaurus WRX
04/25/2014 at 23:02

I agree. It was a nice feeling to have, it put me in a good mood tonight. I have received waves from other enthusiast-type cars such as the WRX and Evo, it's all because we have something in common. It's a great thing. :)

Trevor Mohr > BadMotorScooter
04/25/2014 at 23:02

Thank you! I hope you enjoyed my article. :)

Trevor Mohr > GTI MkVII
04/25/2014 at 23:03

Thank you! Good overall?

Sn210 > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:03

you need to write books lol

Trevor Mohr > Sn210
04/25/2014 at 23:06

I'm honored to have you say that haha. I've pondered it a few times, and someday I just may write a book and publish it. I've always wanted to be an automotive journalist though. I look at Jalopnik at least 10 times a day, and I'm always reading articles. I love writing about automobiles, and all different aspects of them.

Sn210 > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:09

well Oppo is the perfect place for that!

Trevor Mohr > Sn210
04/25/2014 at 23:12

Yes, I love scrolling through Oppo. I plan on posting more articles like the above, it's just something I love doing, I love contributing to online forums/places like Oppo, and I hope people enjoy reading these.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:15

Terrific post, and well said! Especially folks on Oppo are a really welcoming bunch who "get it."

Almost all of the amateur events I've been to have had a feeling of community that was just great. Sure, you might be rivals on the track, but more often than not those same guys would loan you a tool or lend you a hand to fix your ride when you needed it.

And meanwhile, let's all just enjoy what we drive (or get ourselves into something we do enjoy) regardless of status, brand, whatever. If you love it, that's what's important. And we all can understand, and identify, with that love.

Also, I wish I could have articulated it so well at 17, keep writing! :-)

Trevor Mohr > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
04/25/2014 at 23:21

Thank you very much! I love Oppo and Jalopnik. Great places. I'm on the exact same page as you when it comes to the enthusiast community. Thanks again, I plan on writing more here.

MPA > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:24

I'll never tell someone they're not driving the right car, or that they could've bought something else. As long as they are enjoying it, that's all that matters. I may bust someone's chops for having an automatic, but it's all in good fun.

I'm a 41yo car nut - my love of cars started when I was 2 or 3 - my dad tells me I would play with my matchbox/hot wheels cars for hours on end. When I was old enogh to walk to and from school, we would try to guess parked cars by their tail lights as far ahead of us as we could see. The only video games I love are racing games - cars or motorcycles. I had done about 12,000 miles on Forza 4 alone when I got rid of my Xbox 360.

I've been licensed since 5/18/90 - yes I remember the date, and I still have the form from my road test which states "Has excellent control of the car". I should frame that thing!

I'm currently on Cars 21 and 22 in those 24 years - only 5 have been automatics. I've driven a lot of everything - some good ('06 Corvette, two 89 Mustang LXs, 3 Miatas, MK4 GTi w/ the 1.8T, '09 WRX, A Solstice, 2nd and 3rd gen Trans Ams) and some econo cars ('09 Accent, '13 Fit, '08 Focus, '92 Sentra) and I can honestly say I've enjoyed driving them all - my problem is that I want to drive everything lol.

My closest car buddy doesn't understand how I can drive some of the shitty cars, like my current '09 Accent GS. But being able to wring the crap out of that car, and toss it into turns - as awful as it is - is fun. Through my favorite cloverleaf it's surprisingly quick. The only thing that lowered my enjoyment of the Accent a little was replacing my '06 Miata with a '06 Corvette, because it's a lot nicer than the Miata was, and it's 4 times the power of the Accent. Going from the Miata to the Accent wasn't bad really. Now going from one to the other you really get to see how unrefined the Accent is, but it's not supposed to be refined - it's an econo car.

And it's not like econo cars of today all handle like luxo-barges of the 70's. The Accent is very toss-able, really only limited by the puny 14" super cheap tires on the car. The Honda Fit handled very well - and even better once I replaced those shitty stock LRR tires with some General Altimax tires. Last year I took that Fit on the same drive I took my Corvette last weekend (and had done multiple times in a NB Miata), and had a fucking blast in that Fit. The only problem with that car on those roads was the lack of power. Having to pass someone took patience because I had to be in a passing zone that was long enough for me to make the pass.

I'll have this car obsession until the day I die, and I realize not everyone will understand what it's like to be a car guy/girl, or why we love the cars so much. I just hope when that day comes, I'd been able to drive a lot more cars :)

Trevor Mohr > MPA
04/25/2014 at 23:33

Great writeup! I can't agree with you more. We are obsessed, and it bothers me when people classify this as a mental condition or disorder, because it's not. It's a strong passion that no one understands, and there have been many instances where I have been looked down upon because of it. I also hope to have a life full of many different cars. Most people who care just a bit about cars often instantly dream about owning a Lamborghini or Bugatti. I'm not like that. Obviously, those brands make amazing supercars and hypercars, but there are so many other cars that I love, just because I like them. I one day would love to own a Miata, they are just such small and fun cars! Even though as you said there is a lack of power, the car is still just a blast to drive.

AM3R > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:34

Thanks, sounds like the GTI is on the top of my list for next car/2nd car. If you don't mind me asking, how bad is insurance for a 17 y/o with a GTI? I feel like it would be pretty high for a younger male.

Trevor Mohr > AM3R
04/25/2014 at 23:40

Considering I'm in Long Island, New York (It's a terrible driving state), I'm a 17 y/o male, with a GTI, the insurance would of been almost $9,500 annually. I am not listed as the primary driver, and the car is still titled to me though. Now, it's only about $1,500 annually. That would of been quite a bit just for insurance! Now I'm just trying to think how much a GT-R/Supra/S2000 would cost to insure at my age.. XD

Asphalt > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:49

Hey buddy! We're in New York and not too far off from your age, so if you ever want to come hang out with us and hit the twisty roads, just let me know! This Sunday the Abarth is getting a short shifter installed so we'll be out in Long Island, I believe around LIE exit 57

AM3R > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:52

$9,500!!! I live in VA right outside of DC so it's not exactly the best place for drivers either lol. Is your GTI a 2 door or 4 door? I'd love a Rising blue metallic Golf R 4 door 6MT. I'd honestly take a golf TDI if I could get it in that color haha! Keep up the great posts man, and put up some more pictures of your car!!

MPA > Trevor Mohr
04/25/2014 at 23:53

Those that have negative things to say usually understand - those that have similar feelings with something else as we have with cars, they usually get it.

Miatas are definitely a blast - I've had 4 (1 NA, 2NBs and 1 NC) but there are always more cars to drive. All but the NC have made trips to Deal's Gap to drive those amazing roads in the area. And even now, I know one day I'll have another Miata. It would be awesome to have the motor I have in the Corvette (LS2) w/ a T-56 6 spd in an NB though - I'd love to try a LS'd NB. One day ;)

The car buddy I talked about - he loves cars as much as I, but he finds cars he likes and keeps them for a long time. He currently has a '04 G35 Coupe that he's had since '06, and until Hurricane Sandy hit Long Island 2 years ago, he had a '86 Z28 that he got as a HS graduation present in '91. Sadly the water levels were higher than anticipated and insurance totaled the car out - but had it not, I knew he'd have had that car for the rest of his life. I've known him since '90 and I think in total he's owned 5 cars.

2tonic > Trevor Mohr
04/26/2014 at 07:02

The GTI is the best all-around, do-everything, affordable car for the enthusiast! I love these things.

Trevor Mohr > AM3R
04/26/2014 at 12:32

I have a 4-door GTI, the 2014's are only 4-Door. The Golf R is an awesome car, it only comes with a 6MT. Thanks again, and I actually wrote up a full review on my GTI about a month back or so. Here's the link, enjoy! :)

http://carfanatic1342.kinja.com/2014-volkswage…

Trevor Mohr > 2tonic
04/26/2014 at 12:35

I'm in complete agreement, that's why I had bought one! There is just that perfect balance of practicality and having the car still perform so well. Calling them great all-around, do-everything cars is the best way to put it. One day you can be at Costco, loading up on bulk goods, and the next day, you can be auto crossing it. That's the magic of a hatchback. :)

Trevor Mohr > Asphalt
04/26/2014 at 12:37

Would definitely love to! By any chance, would you know where Nissequogue is, and where River Rd. is?

Trevor Mohr > MPA
04/26/2014 at 12:41

Ouch, It's unfortunate how many cars were ruined by Sandy. I plan on keeping my GTI for a very long time too. I take excellent care of it, I will never eat or drink in it. I always service the car earlier than recommended, and only use hi-test gas. I was always told "If you take care of your car, it will take care of you." And that, I'm living by. Honestly I could of held out for the new Mk7, but I just love the Mk6. I will always love my Mk6, and regardless of how old it gets, I will love it just as much as when the day I bought it.

Asphalt > Trevor Mohr
04/26/2014 at 21:14

Ah yes! We visited that road last summer but we didn't film it. It was definitely one of the best roads on Long Island though

Trevor Mohr > Asphalt
04/26/2014 at 22:05

I'm always around that area. No traffic, nicely paved roads. Where else do you guys meet? I'm definitely interested in cruising around.

Justino6969 > Trevor Mohr
04/26/2014 at 22:13

Well if you really wanna blow that WRX in the dust..

http://www.goapr.com/products/stage…

501HP, 409Tq on 100 octane.

Asphalt > Trevor Mohr
04/26/2014 at 23:35

Since we're from Queens, we typically head to upstate/Connecticut areas. Check out our channel for some of the roads we've been to: www.youtube.com/driveasphalt

Also you should go to Caffeine and Carburetors! We'll try to make as many of their meets as we can this year

Trevor Mohr > Asphalt
04/26/2014 at 23:50

I would love to come check Asphalt out when you guys are on the island! For Caffeine and Carburetors, I need to check and see when there is one nearby, I need to check it out.

Trevor Mohr > Justino6969
04/26/2014 at 23:52

Yes, Definitely. During some point in owning the car, I should go k04. Either that or stage 3.

Asphalt > Trevor Mohr
04/26/2014 at 23:59

Caffeine and Carburetors is in New Canaan, Connecticut. It's a huge cars and coffee event, and there's always something special there. Last year there was a Pagani Huayra, as well as a Porsche 959 and numerous SLS AMG Black Series. We have a video on our channel of some of the cars we've spotted there, check it out!

The next event is on May 4th!

Trevor Mohr > Asphalt
04/27/2014 at 00:03

I may be able to make one of the events over the summer, I hope so. I'm looking around for Long Island VW/general car meets. Would love to participate in them.